The Biotechnology and Product Development Department is the Institute’s centre for advanced biotechnology research, innovation, and product development. The Department is responsible for conducting cutting-edge research aimed at improving the productivity, quality, resilience, and commercial value of root and tuber crops through the application of modern biotechnological tools and sustainable post-harvest technologies.

The Department plays a pivotal role in developing improved crop varieties, producing disease-free planting materials, strengthening seed systems, promoting value addition, and facilitating the commercialization of research outputs. Through multidisciplinary research and innovation, it contributes significantly to food security, agricultural transformation, and sustainable economic development.

The Department comprises three specialized programmes, each headed by an Assistant Director:

• Biotechnology Research Programme
• Post-Harvest Technology Programme
• Seed Technology Programme

These programmes work collaboratively to develop innovative technologies, improve crop performance, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s root and tuber value chains.

Research Laboratories

The Department operates modern, state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with advanced scientific instruments and staffed by highly qualified researchers and technical personnel. These facilities provide the technical capacity required for world-class biotechnology research and technology development.

The laboratories include:

• Molecular Biology Laboratory
• Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory
• Trait Profiling Laboratory

These facilities provide critical support for the development of improved, high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient crop varieties that meet the needs of farmers and agro-industries.

Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer

The Department also houses the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office (IPTTO), which is responsible for protecting the Institute’s innovations and facilitating the commercialization, licensing, and transfer of research technologies to industry partners, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders. The Office promotes innovation management, intellectual property protection, and strategic partnerships that enhance the impact of the Institute’s research outputs.

Core Functions

The Department is responsible for:

• Conducting advanced biotechnology research on root and tuber crops.
• Developing improved crop varieties using modern biotechnology tools.
• Producing clean and disease-free planting materials through tissue culture.
• Supporting molecular breeding and genomic research.
• Conserving valuable plant genetic resources using in-vitro technologies.
• Developing post-harvest technologies that improve storage, processing, and product quality.
• Promoting seed technology and rapid multiplication of breeder and foundation seeds.
• Developing innovative value-added products from root and tuber crops.
• Facilitating technology commercialization and intellectual property management.
• Building scientific capacity through research collaborations, training, and technology transfer.

Through its modern laboratories, highly skilled personnel, and commitment to scientific excellence, the Biotechnology and Product Development Department continues to drive innovation in agricultural biotechnology, transforming research into practical solutions that improve crop productivity, strengthen food security, promote value addition, and support sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria and beyond.